"The dance floor is not the appropriate forum for her," a source explains to Us Weekly of why Deen reportedly turned the role down.

There have been a number of career makeovers on "Dancing With the Stars" in the past, from Kate Gosselin to Bristol Palin. It could be that Deen isn't ready to come back into the public eye, or doesn't want to subject herself to this type of reality show. She's been laying low since the racism incident, and it remains to be seen what her next career move is now that she's lost so many of her allies.

At least the people on "Dancing With the Stars" would love her to join. Tom Bergeron says he'd like Deen to reconsider, arguing, "We've seen career resurgences after the show. People go, 'I remember why I love that person!'" Cheryl Burke has offered up some similar sentiments.

The full Season 17 "Dancing With the Stars" cast will be announced on Sept. 4 on "Good Morning America." The new season premieres on Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.